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Congratulations Kendell!

Congratulations to Kendell Dowton who has been accepted into the Australian Ballet School - Junior Interstate Programme for 2008! This will be her third year of acceptance into this prestigious programme, allowing her to take intensive lessons at the ABS in Melbourne, whenever she is able to visit. Congratulations Kendell!

Article and Interview with Dubbo Photo News

Whilst the stereotypical ballet teacher is very serious and strict, Miss Georgie (as she is known to her ballet students) asks her junior ballerinas what colours their fairy wings are as they dance and flutter their ‘wings’ to the music.

Now in her sixth year as owner and director of the Dubbo City Performing Arts Studio, Georgie Pirie spent her childhood in Narromine before being accepted into the Victorian College of the Arts in Melbourne.

When did you stop dancing professionally?

“When I made the decision to become a teacher, it’s a split road there – there’s nothing worse than a frustrated ballet dancer as a teacher, because we’ve all been taught by them, and it’s just a nightmare.

“They’re basically living their life through their students. I had to make the decision. It’s such a hard life being a dancer – it’s just constant pressure and it’s hard living from contract to contract. I always knew that I wanted to teach.

“At university, we did a lot of theory subjects such as anatomy, kinesiology, and classical ballet theory, and my lecturers kept saying my theories and concepts would make me a good teacher, which gave me the confidence to become a studio owner at the age of 21.”

Your teaching style is not like the strict traditional way

“There’s such a stereotype (with) ‘old school’ ballet. I’m trying really hard to break that as it is so out-dated and children should not be treated like that. It goes against my belief system and it is not the creative and friendly environment a ballet school should be.

“My studio is open, kids go out happy, and that comes across. ‘Old school’ ballet knocks your confidence. I was way too hard on myself. If I can teach and nurture them in the opposite way, they can take positives from it rather than turning everything into a negative – for example, ‘my performance wasn’t good enough’, or ‘I’m too fat’, or ‘my feet aren’t nice enough’ – so I am teaching them to work with and love what they’ve got, and that they are all beautiful or handsome regardless of any of that nonsense.

“I often hear ‘my little girl doesn’t look like a ballerina’, or ‘she’s not very graceful’, which are concerns I refuse to accept because that’s not what it’s about.

“I’m teaching skills that I know they will take with them whatever they do and they will do it with confidence. We are fortunate that the syllabus I follow – The Royal Academy of Dance – has changed their marking system. [They’re now also encouraging] students of all ages, shapes, and abilities, allowing them to do well in the examination process.”

What are the best things about teaching children?

“The greatest thing about children is their rich imagination and thirst for knowledge. I just can’t foster that enough. You’re never bored if you can keep your imagination.

“One little girl told me that when she grows up she wants to be Barbie! Other common responses are Sleeping Beauty or a Princess, which is so gorgeous. One little girl named her Bratz dolls Georgie and Adrian, or they play ‘mummy has to be the student, and I’ll be Miss Georgie’”. They love learning, and I love teaching!

Is it true that one of your students has been accepted into the Australian Ballet School (in Melbourne)?

“Yes – Kendell Dowton. She has been accepted into the Junior Interstate Programme as she is only 10 years old. This is her third year with me. She has the most gorgeous personality, and she’s such a wonderful student. It’s just amazing to be able to take her to the Australian Ballet School and talk to the teachers down there and receive feedback. It proves that my studio produces excellent dancers as well as happy and confident individuals.”

Funniest moments?

“All the time at the studio! The stories I hear are just hilarious, they have me in stitches. Pre-school students are just so honest!”

Can’t live without?

“My husband Adrian, he’s overseas at the moment for a wedding and I miss him so much.”

Favourite person and why?

“My dad. I love spending time with him. I’m the youngest of four – dad’s baby. The greatest thing he taught us is that everyone’s equal, and he always made sure our feet were firmly planted on the ground. He was so proud when I went to Melbourne and even happier when I came home! (He taught me) the meaning of hard work, and to treat others with respect even if they don’t show you the same courtesy.”

What are your plans for the future?

“I have some exciting things planned for the future, a new program for the junior school and perhaps a new venture within the studio. All the decisions I make with regard to the ballet school are putting the children first – full stop. With every single decision I make, (I ask myself) what is best for them. As far as business goes, the ballet studio comes first. It’s my baby.

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